Paul Merson reveals his prediction for Bournemouth v Chelsea

Paul Merson is tipping Chelsea to secure a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

The Blues head into the game looking to build on their impressive 4-2 comeback victory over Watford at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

Chelsea then secured their place in the quarter-finals of the League Cup on Wednesday night with a 2-1 win over Everton in west London.

Antonio Conte’s men have made something of a stuttering start to the new season and they currently find themselves nine points behind leaders Manchester City in the race for the title.

They will be desperate to pick up the three points when they take on Eddie Howe’s men this weekend, and former Arsenal star Merson is expecting to see them triumph.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said: “Chelsea weren’t too convincing against Watford but they still scored four goals. That’s the quality they possess.

“Their problem this season seems to be they have lost that solidity at the back. Last season their defensive three was so strong and it was hard to score against them, you had to work really hard. Now that doesn’t seem the case.

“Bournemouth might score in front of their home fans but I still think Chelsea will have miles too much for them to get a result.”

Chelsea won the Premier League title under Conte last season following his appointment at the club back in 2016.

However, they did not have the distraction of European football last term as they were able to concentrate purely on domestic affairs.

Chelsea have won the Premier League title in two of the last three seasons but they missed out on the FA Cup last term when they were beaten by Arsenal in the final.